Thematic analysis of Lalvākh, shiv-sutra and ashtanga yoga

The 14th century mystic saint Lalleshwari was a Kashmiri spiritual figure who is known for her terse and insightful compositions called vākh. Vākh are poems consisting of four lines which are profound and mystical. This genre of poetry was pioneered by Lalleshwari who came to be known as Lalded. The word vākh is derived from the sanskrit word vāc, speech where vākh is both singular and plural. These pithy poems express the metaphysical and the spiritual experiences of the saint concisely and in simple Kashmiri language. Lalded is believed to have composed more than 258 vākh. Many of her vākh portray her deep connection with yogic practices as seen in Ashtanga or the Eight Limbed Yoga. Patanjali, the father of Yoga, was a mystic saint who gifted us Asthanga Yoga. These are yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahar, dharana, dhyana and samadhi. This paper seeks to study the influence of the Eight limbed Yoga on Lalded. The study delves into Shiv-Sūtras to understand Lalvākh with respect to Yoga and Kashmiri Shaivism. Research questions: What are the influences of Asthanga Yoga on Lalded? How has Ashtanga Yoga helped in her spiritual development?